The first leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025/26 Champions League between Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine) and Pafos (Cyprus) will take place on August 5 at the Arena Lublin (Poland). Dynamo Kyiv vs. Pafos: prediction, betting odds, statistics.
Dynamo Kyiv
The Ukrainians easily advanced through the second round of the Champions League qualification. Oleksandr Shovkovskyi's men defeated Hamrun in both legs with the same score of 3-0. Thus, Dynamo has suffered only one loss in their last eight matches in this European competition (5 wins and 2 draws). Also noteworthy is that last season, Dynamo started from the second qualifying stage and eventually reached the playoffs of the tournament's main stage.
- At least one team failed to score in regular time in 9 of Dynamo's last 12 Champions League matches.
- Exactly two or three goals were scored in 90 minutes in 7 of Dynamo's previous matches in this European competition.
- Dynamo has not won in regular time in 7 of their last 10 home games in the Champions League (3 draws and 4 losses).
Predicted lineup for Dynamo Kyiv (4-5-1)
Ruslan Neshcheret – Konstantin Vivcharenko, Konstantin Vivcharenko, Oleksandr Karavaev, Taras Mykhavko – Oleksandr Pihalenok, Mykola Shaparenko, Vladyslav Kabayev, Volodymyr Brazhko, Nazar Voloshyn – Vladyslav Vanat.
Pafos
The Cypriots had a successful debut in the Champions League. Juan Carlos Carcedo's side overcame Maccabi Tel Aviv. In the first leg held in Cyprus, the islanders drew 1-1, and in the away game, they capitalized on a red card for the Israelis and won 1-0.
- The club has suffered only one defeat in regular time in their last 8 European matches (4 wins and 3 draws).
- Pafos scored first in 6 of their last 8 European games.
- The Cypriots have won only 2 of their last 10 away matches in European competitions (2 draws and 6 losses).
Predicted lineup for Pafos (4-3-3)
Neofytos Michael – David Gomes Goldar, Derrick Luckassen, Kostas Pileas, Bruno Souza Silva – Ivan Sunjic, Vlad Dragomir, Pepe Rodrigues – Jaja, Anderson Oliveira Silva, Mislav Orsic.
Referee
Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
Matches – 16 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 55;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 19%.
Match Prediction: Dynamo Kyiv vs. Pafos
The Cypriots are much stronger than the Maltese team that the Ukrainians easily defeated in both matches. Pafos made their European debut only last season but immediately reached the Round of 16 in the Conference League. Their success on the continental stage was due to their strong attacking play, having scored in 16 of their last 20 European matches. Even away from home, the Cypriots have found the net in 5 of their last 6 European games.
I believe the Ukrainians will also get on the scoresheet. The team has scored in 7 of their last 8 Champions League matches. However, before facing Hamrun, Dynamo conceded in four consecutive home Champions League games, so it's unlikely they will keep a clean sheet in their third consecutive match in this tournament.
My prediction: Both teams to score – Yes